William Byrd community celebrates football coach's 200th win

VINTON (WSLS 10) - A local high school football coach reached a major milestone.

William Byrd's victory over Alleghany secured Coach Jeff Highfill's 200th career win.

Highfill started coaching the Terriers 36 years ago.

Over time, he said he has collected a stack of letters and notes from former players who have gone on to be successful in life.

That kind of feedback is what he says he's most proud of.

"This is not a me story, this is a we story. I haven't scored a point; I haven't made a block or tackle. There so many people involved here and to get 200 means I work for a lot of great people who have supported me tremendously," Highfill explained.

"I have an eighth-grade son that plays football and I've told people I wouldn't want him to play for any other coach in the state of Virginia.  I want him to play for Coach Highfill," said Jason Taylor, WBHS Athletic Director.

Highfill says, about 20 current football coaches have come up through the Byrd program.

Along with a successful football career Coach Highfill also started the soccer program at William Byrd.


About the Author:

After working and going to school in Central Virginia for over five years, Lindsey’s made her way back home to the mountains.